The Malawi Institute of Education is holding a workshop from 15–20 March to validate draft syllabuses for lower secondary school (Forms 1-2) as part of the national curriculum reform. The workshop brings together key education stakeholders from the Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MoEST), various public and private Universities and Colleges and practicing Secondary school teachers to ensure the new syllabuses are relevant, comprehensive, and aligned with national goals.
Participants began with presentations outlining the Secondary School Curriculum review process and progress, the Highlights of the Secondary school Curriculum and assessment framework and competency‑based pedagogical approaches. They were also guided through the syllabus validation process.
During the official opening of the workshop on 17th March, the Acting Executive Director for MIE, Mr. Jennings Kayira encouraged the participants to engage openly, critique constructively and collaborate generously by asking hard questions and share best practices from diverse contexts.Emphasising that “We are tasked with creating pathways that do more than transmitting knowledge but building pathways that develop character, foster critical thinking and empower young citizens.”
Among the attendees were the representatives from the Ministry of Education, including Deputy Director for Quality Assurance, John Mswayo who in his remarks referred to the draft syllabuses as the seeds of knowledge, the frameworks that will guide our teachers and inspire our students. He highlghted, “Your expertise, your insights, and your collective wisdom are the sunlight and water that will help these seeds flourish into a curriculum that is not only world-class but uniquely Malawian.”
Participants are now working in break away sessions to review and validate the draft syllabuses. Their collaborative work will help strengthen the quality and effectiveness of the reformed curriculum.